Willis Tower Skydeck Ledge Coating Cracks, Prompting Replacement

CHICAGO, IL — Tourists on one of the ledge attractions at Skydeck Chicago experienced a scare Monday when the glass structure located 103 floors up at Willis Tower appeared to crack beneath them.

The damage was captured in a tourist video, and while the incident definitely frightened tourists, Willis Tower spokeswoman Terri Cornelius said the glass is secure and public safety isn't at risk. The cracks actually formed in the ledge's protective layer, Cornelius said.

"It's like a screen protector," she told NBC 5. Cornelius also confirmed the protective layer was replaced late Monday night.

This isn't the first time the protective coating cracked beneath the feet of curious tourists. In May 2014, Tony Saldana and his cousin were sitting on the ledge for a photo when it cracked. "All we see is the glass shattering," Saldana told ABC 7. "We're thinking the whole thing's coming down. We're thinking we're about to fall 103 stories."

Willis Tower officials also replaced the protective layer in 2014. As for the glass beneath it? Engineers also assured the public there's nothing to fear — three layers of one-inch-thick glass comprise the ledges, and each is designed to hold up to five tons.